Crystal Lake band takes state title

The blues-rock group, composed of Crystal Lake South High School students, took first place in the Illinois Battle of the Bands contest, held Aug. 22 at the Illinois State Fair.

With a setlist that included “Sweet Home Chicago,” “Soul Man” and original songs, the band beat five other finalists to win $150 worth of Guitar Center gift cards, an acoustic guitar, free Chipotle burritos, 500 custom-made buttons and five hours of recording time at BobDog studios in Oak Park.

To reach the state finals, The Con Men won a Crystal Lake Park District contest in June and a regional competition in Glendale Heights on Aug. 8. Overall, the group placed first among 120 teen bands.